Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin recently introduced a new architecture called ePBS (execution-based Proposer-Builder Separation) as a core component of the 'Glamsterdam' upgrade plan, aimed at fundamentally addressing the centralization risks present in the current Ethereum block construction process. Currently, Ethereum has adopted the PBS (Proposer-Builder Separation) mechanism, which separates the responsibilities of block construction and block proposal to enhance network efficiency and improve censorship resistance. However, with the expansion of the MEV (Maximum Extractable Value) economy, a few large builders have gradually dominated the block production process, creating new points of power concentration.
The design philosophy of ePBS is to further weaken the centralization tendencies of builders by delegating the block construction logic to the execution layer, allowing validators to participate more directly in construction decisions and reducing reliance on third-party builders. This architectural adjustment not only enhances the fairness of the network but also provides more opportunities for smaller participants, potentially driving the Ethereum ecosystem towards a more open and democratic direction.
According to Vitalik's vision, ePBS will work in conjunction with future upgrades such as Danksharding to collectively build an efficient, censorship-resistant, and highly decentralized Layer 1 network. Although this proposal is still in the early research stage, its potential impact on Ethereum's long-term governance structure has sparked widespread discussion within the community. Industry consensus suggests that if successfully implemented, ePBS will be a key step for Ethereum towards achieving a truly decentralized infrastructure.
